Psychiatrists in Tracy, CA
![Photo of Patience Ennih Morikang, MSN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8b5cde9-1011-4fa5-ae0a-cd4618133909/1/320x400.jpeg)
Patience Ennih Morikang
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Tracy, CA 95376
Accepting new patients- I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who understands how difficult it can be to share your personal information. I provide a non-judgmental space for you to feel safe, valued, and heard. I believe in a holistic approach to care. I partner with other psychiatric providers to improve quality of care. Are you having difficulty completing tasks? Do you get easily distracted? Do you have racing thoughts? Do you have difficulty falling or staying asleep? Are you feeling down, sad and unmotivated? choose today to reach out and lets talk about it.
Accepting new patients- I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who understands how difficult it can be to share your personal information. I provide a non-judgmental space for you to feel safe, valued, and heard. I believe in a holistic approach to care. I partner with other psychiatric providers to improve quality of care. Are you having difficulty completing tasks? Do you get easily distracted? Do you have racing thoughts? Do you have difficulty falling or staying asleep? Are you feeling down, sad and unmotivated? choose today to reach out and lets talk about it.
![Photo of Angela Njoroge, PMHNP, -BC, APRN, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b975a4ce-2dbe-4069-b963-e7c83517c211/2/320x400.jpeg)
Angela Njoroge
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, -BC, APRN, MSN
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Tracy, CA 95376
Hi, my name is Angela! I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. As a nurse, my journey in mental health care has been transformative. I've witnessed the resilience of the human spirit through the darkest struggles. Transitioning to a Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner, I've learned that empathy and active listening are my most potent tools. Life has taught me that compassion transcends textbooks, and every patient has a unique story. My experiences have deepened my understanding of the intricate web of mental health, making me an advocate for de-stigmatizing mental illnesses and fostering hope.
Hi, my name is Angela! I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. As a nurse, my journey in mental health care has been transformative. I've witnessed the resilience of the human spirit through the darkest struggles. Transitioning to a Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner, I've learned that empathy and active listening are my most potent tools. Life has taught me that compassion transcends textbooks, and every patient has a unique story. My experiences have deepened my understanding of the intricate web of mental health, making me an advocate for de-stigmatizing mental illnesses and fostering hope.
![Photo of Dr. Mark Chofla - Dr. Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/00fa1d18-a262-49a8-b85d-af3a111d0fcc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
![Photo of Dr. Rashmi Parmar, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a55eda78-1e42-4716-9d7c-ed489b6a543a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Rashmi Parmar is a dual board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. Dr. Parmar's treatment philosophy involves making patients and their families feel heard and understood while tailoring their treatment goals. She educates her patients to make well-informed treatment choices and believes in achieving the overall well-being of an individual rather than targeting the illness itself.
Dr. Rashmi Parmar is a dual board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. Dr. Parmar's treatment philosophy involves making patients and their families feel heard and understood while tailoring their treatment goals. She educates her patients to make well-informed treatment choices and believes in achieving the overall well-being of an individual rather than targeting the illness itself.
![Photo of Neil Rajdev, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/64b627f9-3939-49f3-bced-1ec32f01ce0a/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a general adult psychiatrist with experience treating a variety of conditions and a special interest in OCD, student-athlete mental health, mood and anxiety disorders. I employ a holistic view of mental health that first requires being curious about the unique dynamics that might be affecting your well-being. While medications are often important, I also believe in addressing aspects of one’s lifestyle (sleep, exercise, diet) and examining interpersonal, occupational, among other stressors in a judgement-free, supportive environment.
I am a general adult psychiatrist with experience treating a variety of conditions and a special interest in OCD, student-athlete mental health, mood and anxiety disorders. I employ a holistic view of mental health that first requires being curious about the unique dynamics that might be affecting your well-being. While medications are often important, I also believe in addressing aspects of one’s lifestyle (sleep, exercise, diet) and examining interpersonal, occupational, among other stressors in a judgement-free, supportive environment.
![Photo of Harpreet Kaur Johl, DNP, MPH, CNL, FNP-BC, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42feae06-cd20-4380-ae11-5210e9d5ffde/1/320x400.png)
Harpreet Kaur Johl
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MPH, CNL, FNP-BC, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Tracy, CA 95377
I am a doctorally prepared, dual board certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner. I believe in providing holistic, whole person care. Besides medication management, psychotherapy and integrative modalities can provide the much needed support for patients. Exploring these modalities to help you improve your symptoms and quality of life is of utmost importance. Modalities explored are complementary and alternative medicine (CAMs) and Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.
I am a doctorally prepared, dual board certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner. I believe in providing holistic, whole person care. Besides medication management, psychotherapy and integrative modalities can provide the much needed support for patients. Exploring these modalities to help you improve your symptoms and quality of life is of utmost importance. Modalities explored are complementary and alternative medicine (CAMs) and Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.
![Photo of Navmoon Singh Mann, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7a0a4981-a5b3-46bd-88cb-f442992bd8f8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mental health challenges can be scary and often leave you feeling overwhelmed. You do not have to face your struggles alone — call me today for a consultation and start down the path toward better health and greater joy.
Mental health challenges can be scary and often leave you feeling overwhelmed. You do not have to face your struggles alone — call me today for a consultation and start down the path toward better health and greater joy.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Alex Terreau, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51b67f14-abdf-474f-8308-eadec0164689/1/320x400.jpeg)
Most of us want to live more freely and fully as our authentic self. Yet, a range of issues and struggles can get in our way. Sometimes it’s a mental health or major life challenge, unresolved pain from our past, outdated beliefs, difficult feelings, or unintegrated parts of ourselves or identities. We suffer, feeling overwhelmed, lost, and disconnected. We may simply want relief. Sometimes, our suffering is a call into more of our depth, to awaken spiritually, or to expand into our potential and purpose. With empathy and compassion, I can meet you where you’re at and help you find your way towards wellness and new possibilities.
Most of us want to live more freely and fully as our authentic self. Yet, a range of issues and struggles can get in our way. Sometimes it’s a mental health or major life challenge, unresolved pain from our past, outdated beliefs, difficult feelings, or unintegrated parts of ourselves or identities. We suffer, feeling overwhelmed, lost, and disconnected. We may simply want relief. Sometimes, our suffering is a call into more of our depth, to awaken spiritually, or to expand into our potential and purpose. With empathy and compassion, I can meet you where you’re at and help you find your way towards wellness and new possibilities.
![Photo of Sanjana Karim, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/62771a6a-3592-4c09-adca-4f61b1a5db6b/1/320x400.jpeg)
I help women facing cancer, illness, and difficult life transitions find healing, peace, and contentment in their lives. I am a psychiatrist and psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience. As a cancer survivor, I walk the talk. During our initial sessions, we will delve deeply into the issues at hand, and collaborate to create a plan for addressing them in a way that helps you get your life back. Most of my patients see a gradual lifting of symptoms within the first month and sustained improvement thereafter. If you have been suffering on your own, I want you to know that there is hope for relief, and that you aren’t alone.
I help women facing cancer, illness, and difficult life transitions find healing, peace, and contentment in their lives. I am a psychiatrist and psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience. As a cancer survivor, I walk the talk. During our initial sessions, we will delve deeply into the issues at hand, and collaborate to create a plan for addressing them in a way that helps you get your life back. Most of my patients see a gradual lifting of symptoms within the first month and sustained improvement thereafter. If you have been suffering on your own, I want you to know that there is hope for relief, and that you aren’t alone.
![Photo of Thomas Sarti, MS, MSN, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/56bbc886-cb03-4ded-ad33-4f647af1fe0b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Thomas Sarti
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MS, MSN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94303 (Online Only)
My mission is to support you through life's twists and turns, especially when it comes to your mental health. Each person I encounter has a unique story, and my role is to be a compassionate guide, fostering a safe space for you to express your thoughts and emotions. I strive to create an environment where individuals feel heard and supported. It's not just about prescriptions; it's about understanding what makes you tick and finding the best way to support you.
My mission is to support you through life's twists and turns, especially when it comes to your mental health. Each person I encounter has a unique story, and my role is to be a compassionate guide, fostering a safe space for you to express your thoughts and emotions. I strive to create an environment where individuals feel heard and supported. It's not just about prescriptions; it's about understanding what makes you tick and finding the best way to support you.
![Photo of Deborah S Johnson, PMHNP, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/90c84dd2-116b-4e61-a08d-c1d2c5f85bf3/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), trained across the lifespan but specialized with children, adolescents and families. In addition to practicing from a strengths-based perspective, I have taught child/adolescent/family psychotherapy at UCSF, where I am a Professor Emeritus in the PMHNP and DNP programs. Furthermore, I am a Fellow with American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP).
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), trained across the lifespan but specialized with children, adolescents and families. In addition to practicing from a strengths-based perspective, I have taught child/adolescent/family psychotherapy at UCSF, where I am a Professor Emeritus in the PMHNP and DNP programs. Furthermore, I am a Fellow with American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP).
![Photo of Molly McKeen, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0b5693a9-d534-4ede-9f9f-59541e47d6eb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Molly McKeen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Roseville, CA 95661 (Online Only)
Molly believes mental health requires a partnership between the patient and provider. They work together to come up with a plan, which may include medication, different types of therapies, mindfulness, meditation or prayer, exercise, sleep hygiene, and nutrition. Molly will also collaborate with the patient's other providers as needed.
Molly believes mental health requires a partnership between the patient and provider. They work together to come up with a plan, which may include medication, different types of therapies, mindfulness, meditation or prayer, exercise, sleep hygiene, and nutrition. Molly will also collaborate with the patient's other providers as needed.
![Photo of Thomas Paul Tarshis, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a667ec92-aad4-459c-a37a-9f45743a85cc/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Bay Area native thrilled to be living in Berkeley (where I attended college) after being in the South Bay for years. I am passionate about fixing broken systems of care, in using technology as a resource for mental health treatment, and keeping a positive attitude for my patients and their families. I enjoy working with patients to resolve current mental health issues and help youth achieve their full potential.
I am a Bay Area native thrilled to be living in Berkeley (where I attended college) after being in the South Bay for years. I am passionate about fixing broken systems of care, in using technology as a resource for mental health treatment, and keeping a positive attitude for my patients and their families. I enjoy working with patients to resolve current mental health issues and help youth achieve their full potential.
![Photo of Dr. Mark Chofla - Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e5f83f9e-5b70-45d1-beeb-7f46bf5537f6/1/320x400.png)
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025 (Online Only)
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
![Photo of Caroline Stone, BSN, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c1f8f8ab-8276-4688-a81a-9017c499d32d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Caroline Stone
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, BSN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Campbell, CA 95008 (Online Only)
I work with individuals of all backgrounds and origins. With over 5 years of experience in Mental Health I've learned that medicine is not one size fits all and I will work with you to develop a comprehensive personalized treatment plan. While my practice relies heavily on pharmaceutical treatment I believe the best approach to mental health is one that looks at the whole individual and incorporates different modalities including physical health and well being, therapeutic techniques, and mindfulness and meditation.
I work with individuals of all backgrounds and origins. With over 5 years of experience in Mental Health I've learned that medicine is not one size fits all and I will work with you to develop a comprehensive personalized treatment plan. While my practice relies heavily on pharmaceutical treatment I believe the best approach to mental health is one that looks at the whole individual and incorporates different modalities including physical health and well being, therapeutic techniques, and mindfulness and meditation.
![Photo of Rachel Jumonville, PA-C , Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/820436af-05a6-47a2-a6df-1be579115fd3/1/320x400.jpeg)
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
![Photo of Mark Chofla - Dr. Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/56d3626d-daf6-4804-825f-f9b59855beea/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Jackson, CA 95642 (Online Only)
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
![Photo of Christopher E Jones, PMHNP, PhD, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0f52f916-9944-4d0d-bca8-3df3ea2efc6a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Christopher E Jones
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, PhD
Verified Verified
Campbell, CA 95008 (Online Only)
Over the past 20 years working in mental healthcare, I have enjoyed the great opportunity to serve patients and their families. As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I worked first at the San Francisco VA Medical Center, through their post-graduate residency program, and then for the past several years, I worked with medically underserved populations throughout New Mexico, first in person and then via telehealth.
Over the past 20 years working in mental healthcare, I have enjoyed the great opportunity to serve patients and their families. As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I worked first at the San Francisco VA Medical Center, through their post-graduate residency program, and then for the past several years, I worked with medically underserved populations throughout New Mexico, first in person and then via telehealth.
![Photo of Dr. Satoko Miyamoto, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f3d5ff72-6c5a-48ec-b3aa-77aa196a9fc2/2/320x400.png)
Dr. Satoko Miyamoto is a board-certified psychiatrist. Dr. Miyamoto combines elements of therapy during medication management sessions.
Dr. Satoko Miyamoto is a board-certified psychiatrist. Dr. Miyamoto combines elements of therapy during medication management sessions.
![Photo of Anca Luminare, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7cc87937-62d8-457b-8a5a-10c1d37043d3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Anca Luminare earned her medical degree from the University of Medicine Cluj Napoca, Romania. She completed General Adult Psychiatry training at UCLA-Kern. She is an active member of American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Luminare is a warm, empathetic, and compassionate doctor that is always available for her patients.
Dr. Anca Luminare earned her medical degree from the University of Medicine Cluj Napoca, Romania. She completed General Adult Psychiatry training at UCLA-Kern. She is an active member of American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Luminare is a warm, empathetic, and compassionate doctor that is always available for her patients.
See more therapy options for Tracy
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Tracy, CA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Tracy, CA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
86% | ADHD |
86% | Trauma and PTSD |
86% | Sleep or Insomnia |
86% | Medication Management |
71% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
3 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Tracy, CA see their clients
86% | In Person and Online | |
14% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
67% | Female | |
33% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Tracy?
The Psychology Today Directory enables you to search specifically for psychiatrists, using the drop down provider menu in the navigation bar, by city or zip code, or by the name of the psychiatrist. Search results provide detailed profiles of professionals, including their treatment approach and areas of expertise. In addition, listings provide important information about each psychiatrist’s credentials, fees, payment options, and insurance affiliations. Directory users can select psychiatrists who meet an array of personally-desired criteria, such as familiarity with a specific community or condition.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical specialists who focus on understanding, diagnosing, and treating diseases of the brain and disorders of the mind and behavior. As physicians, psychiatrists are trained to recognize the often-subtle biological causes of mental disorders and to monitor the effects of mental disturbances on physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychologists are especially attuned to the influence of early experience on development and behavior, emotional and cognitive processes, the nature of personality, and social functioning. They are also trained to deploy an array of psychological tests—IQ tests, personality tests, behavioral assessments—to gauge a person’s functioning.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
A psychiatric nurse practitioner, also known as a mental health nurse practitioner, is a registered nurse who completes advanced training in psychiatric care, earning either a master’s or doctoral degree in psychiatric nursing, and in the U.S., passes a national certification exam. Like psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. In some locales, psychiatric nurse practitioners can offer the full range of psychiatric care, including prescribing and managing medication. In other places, they must work in collaboration with a physician.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed psychiatrist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. All psychiatrists listed in the directory have a valid license issued by the state(s) in which they practice and are certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some individuals or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication?
Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who are trained to recognize the many ways body processes affect the functioning of the brain and mind. As physicians, they can prescribe medication. Patients who are prescribed medications will typically need to continue to see a psychiatrist so that the effects of the medication can be monitored. For many psychiatric conditions, including common disorders such as anxiety and depression, the preferred treatment is combination therapy—medication accompanied by psychotherapy.
Do psychiatrists offer therapy?
Psychiatrists are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and, increasingly, somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment based on chemical or biological factors, using lab tests, brain scans and physical and psychological evaluations. While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most sessions with a psychiatrist may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management. Many psychiatrists who do not offer psychotherapy work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians and can refer clients seeking talk therapy to those providers.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist or a therapist?
It is not always easy to know which type of mental health practitioner to choose. Many people are unaware of the root of their mental or behavioral problem. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the physician may review their medical history or perform medical tests to determine whether biological factors are involved before making a referral. It is not necessary for a person to know precisely what type of care they need in order to seek help. Many psychiatrists and psychologists refer clients to each other depending on client needs.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist?
A referral to a psychiatrist is often not required. However, seeing your primary care physician first can be helpful and actually prove to be a shortcut to getting what you need. Your PCP may have a clear idea whether psychiatric help is needed and/or which kind of mental health care would be most beneficial and refer you to the right type of practitioner. For that reason alone, some psychiatrists require a referral. Further, many insurance plans require a referral from a PCP if they cover all of part of the cost of seeing a specialist; if, however, you are paying out of pocket, you may not need a referral. In any case, a referral may speed the process of securing an appointment with a psychiatrist, especially in areas where there is a shortage of mental health specialists and new patients face long waits for appointments.